Cron went 3-for-5, with a triple and a double in a win over Seattle on Thursday, improving his batting average to .323. He played first base on Thursday, but at other times has been a designated hitter.

Deseret News photo by Tom Smart

“I think the biggest thing that’s going to hit him right now is trying to get regular playing time (he normally plays behind Albert Puljols). And with him being a younger guy, with only two-three years’ experience, getting regular at-bats is tough,” Shelton said. “If they don’t come, he’ll likely get sent back down (to the minors) to get some regular at-bats.”

Shelton continued, “You may see him back in Salt Lake before the season’s done. But from what I’ve watched of him, he has great plate coverage and doesn’t get fooled a lot. I think he can handle most pitchers. I think he’s a good enough hitter to make the adjustments to have success up there.”

Shelton said the “physical swing itself isn’t going to change a whole lot” in the major leagues, thought “he may need to clean up a few things, but mostly it comes back to constant adjustment every time you face a pitcher.”

Cron has 65 at-bats in his first 21 games.

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